mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: cloudy white or yellowish-white, Luster: vitreous (glassy) to greasy, Crystal structure: trigonal, Cleavage: poor/conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: cloudy white or yellowish-white, Luster: vitreous (glassy) to greasy, Crystal structure: trigonal, Cleavage: poor/conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and through the crystallization of magma or silica-rich hot fluids. It is found in many geological environments and ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, abrasive manufacturing, as a source of silicon for electronics, and in landscaping or decorative masonry.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from minute fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it scratches glass), lack of visible cleavage, and white translucent appearance. It is ubiquitous in riverbeds and mountainous terrain globally.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous